Ch. 8: Trenches

Vic leaned back in her chair and stretched her arms up over her head. Lowering them a bit, she rubbed the back of her neck and moved her head from side to side. She knew she would never be able to work out the kinks in such a short amount of time. Vic turned her head and looked out the window. The sun was shining on the street below her window as a handful of people walked down the sidewalk. Even as cold as it was, some part of her wished she were out there instead of inside stuck at her desk.

This was the side of her job the public didn't see. The part where you made endless phone calls trying to find someone who was willing to talk and who actually knew something worth telling. She would never be lucky enough to get information on her first phone call. The world just didn't work like that.

Vic looked away from the window and stood up, ignoring the protest in her lower back muscles. She picked up the notepad and pen on her desk and started a slow walk towards Cady's office. She needed to stretch her legs and wasn't in any real hurry to get there.

She paused at Cady's open door and looked in to see Cady with her head bent over something. Vic tapped on the doorframe and Cady looked up. Her eyes looked as bleary as Vic's felt. Stepping inside the office, Vic crossed the floor and stopped just in front of the desk. Cady looked at her with obvious expectation.

"What's up?"

Vic tapped the pad against her leg as she stood.

"I have called every name that I came up with. I started with the dentist office and worked my way out from there. I don't know why I'm constantly surprised at the number of people who don't want to talk to cops."

"Even in a situation like this?"

Vic frowned.

"Especially in a situation like this. People get pissed if we don't solve a case, but they're not exactly fighting to be helpful."

"You come up with anything?"

"Yes…finally."

Cady gestured at a chair.

"Have a seat."

The invitation sounded almost like a question as an invitation wasn't generally needed. Vic sat down and made a face as she did so. She stretched her legs out.

"We need more comfortable chairs in here. Or, to sit in these less."

Cady smiled a bit.

"I don't disagree with the sitting in them less part. So…"

Vic looked down at the information that she had scribbled on the pad as she spoke to one person after another. Even those who weren't overly willing were prone to letting small details slip without thinking about it. Combining that with the information from those who were willing to share what they knew assisted her in piecing together the facts. It was just such a tedious process.

"First of all, Natalie left her job about two weeks ago. There was nothing unusual about it. She gave and worked her notice, collected her last check, and left on good terms. The reason she gave for leaving was that she was moving, although no one knew where exactly and her apartment lease ran for another four months. I talked to her landlady and was told that the mother gave them permission to go in and have a look. Nothing looked out of the ordinary and it didn't look like she was moving. Her rent is paid through the end of the month."

"So, no move."

Vic shrugged.

"Not that they knew of. It's possible her plans changed. Or, that she wasn't truthful to her boss. Either way her behavior wasn't abnormal. According to most of her coworkers she kept to herself and didn't socialize very much. I did find one who seemed to be friends with her. An…"

Vic paused and checked her notes.

"…Amanda Calhoun. She says they went out for drinks on occasion. Which brings me to the boyfriend. Or, ex-boyfriend."

"Mark or Mike?"

Vic shook her head.

"Marco. Marco Warren. She says they dated for several months, but that Natalie ended it. I looked into this guy. Nothing stands out. He's twenty-seven and works at a plant making metal pipes. Born and raised in the Nashville area. Other than a few traffic violations, he doesn't have a record. Never been arrested."

"Do we know why they broke up?"

"Not yet. I managed to dig up his phone number and I called, but he didn't answer. I left him a message. I got to say, though, he doesn't seem like the type for something like this. That said, if we can get an alibi, we can rule him out."

Cady nodded.

"Maybe he can put us in touch with his boss and we can get that taken care of. He would've had to travel to do this and if he was at work…"

"Yeah, that's what I thought."

Vic laid the notepad in her lap.

"I got to tell you, Cady, the more I think about this…the more I think it was someone local. What we found out yesterday, what we already know points to that. I know that we have to do our due diligence and rule out the obvious suspects, but I think the guy we're looking for is here, not Nashville."

"That's not a very comforting thought."

"I know. It's also problematic because we have no idea who we're looking for yet."

Cady sighed.

"We need the rest of the autopsy results."

"Yes, we do. Those tests take time, though."

"I know. I will call Dr. Weston and see what the ETA is and if it's possible to put a rush on them. She fought back. If this was a crime of opportunity, it seems like there's a higher probability that a mistake would be made."

"Mistakes are always made. We just have to figure out what that mistake was."

"Well, I've got Ferg and Zach going door to door again to see if someone remembered anything or if we missed someone the first time around. I don't know what else we can do right now. I know we haven't found any personal belongings other than the car, but is there any way we can try and get a ping on her phone?"

"I'm still trying to nail down who her provider was. I got two different companies from two different people. We may need a warrant for that depending on the carriers."

Cady nodded.

"Let me know."

"Sure."

Vic stood up and looked around the office.

"You busy?"

Cady looked at the papers scattered on her desk.

"Trying to work on the budget."

Vic made a face broadcasting her disdain for that thought.

"Sounds super fun. Want to grab some lunch?"

Cady looked as though she were thinking about the offer. After a few seconds, she stood up.

"Sure. I've been sitting too long. A walk over to the Busy Bee might be exactly what I need."

She grabbed her coat and trailed Vic into the main office. Vic pulled on her jacket and zipped it up. They went down the stairs and out the door onto the street. Vic pulled into herself and tucked her chin into the collar of her jacket.

"Jesus, it's cold."

"I am ready for spring."

Vic huffed out a breath that she could see.

"I'm ready for summer."

They walked briskly to the café and stepped inside to find warm air and delicious odors coming from the kitchen. They removed their jackets and found a small table away from the door and in a corner. Dorothy bustled over with a smile.

"Afternoon."

Cady returned the smile.

"Hey, Dorothy."

"What'll you have to drink?"

Cady spoke up since Dorothy was already looking her way.

"Water."

Dorothy shifted her eyes.

"Vic?"

"Um…can I have coffee and a glass of water?"

"Sure."

Cady interjected before Dorothy could walk off.

"Coffee sounds good. I'll have one as well."

Dorothy nodded. She retrieved their glasses of water as well as two cups that she filled up with coffee from a half full pot.

"Do you know what you want to eat or you need a minute?"

Cady shook her head as Vic started to stir sugar into her coffee, changing the color substantially.

"I'll have the meatloaf."

"Vegetables okay or do you want fries?"

"Vegetables are good."

Again, Dorothy looked to Vic.

"I'll…have your chicken noodle soup and a BLT no mayo."

"Sounds good."

Dorothy left them alone and Vic lifted her coffee cup to her mouth to take a sip. It went a long way towards warming her up and she hoped the caffeine would jumpstart her for the rest of the day.

"When this case is over…"

Vic set her cup back down.

"…I may take some days off."

Cady gave her a curious look.

"Going somewhere?"

"Maybe. Walt mentioned doing…something, but nothing in particular."

"Sounds exciting."

Vic smiled.

"He's gotten used to coming and going. I think he's getting restless."

"That doesn't bother you?"

Vic shook her head.

"No. He spent years giving all of his time to his job. I think he's entitled do what he wants with his own time."

"It's your time, too."

Vic shrugged.

"My marriage was full of rules about what we were supposed to do and how we were supposed to do it. There were too many expectations and that leads to disappointment. I don't want to live by someone else's rules anymore and I don't think Walt does either. Maybe…that's why it works."

"It's certainly unconventional."

Vic smiled wryly.

"I'm not much for convention at this point in my life."

"Can't say I blame you."

Their food arrived and they started to eat. Cady glanced up at her.

"Anyway, just let me know when and we'll make it work."

Vic tossed her a smile and continued to eat.

"Thanks."

"He's not planning to camp in this weather?"

"I wouldn't put it past him to think about it. I can tell you for damn sure that I'm not."

Cady laughed.

Vic flipped the conversation.

"How's it going with Zach?"

Cady's face reddened slightly. As a general rule, they didn't go too deep into each other's personal lives. That didn't mean there wasn't some level of curiosity.

"It's going."

Vic rolled her eyes.

"No kidding."

Cady smiled and dipped her face.

"It's…we're still having fun. It's just…a little different now that I'm the Sheriff."

Vic swallowed the bite of food that she was chewing and sipped her water.

"You knew it was going to be more complicated once you were his boss."

"I know. But…knowing and doing aren't always the same."

"Having problems?"

Cady shook her head.

"Not really. It's just a really fine line. You know?"

"I do."

"I know you do. Got any advice?"

Vic breathed out a low laugh.

"God, don't ask me for romantic advice. Just…go with your gut."

"Thank you. Helpful."

"I try."

Vic's phone buzzed and she slid if free from her pocket. She looked at the screen, then to Cady. She swiped her free hand across the leg of her jeans and stood up.

"It's the boyfriend."

xxx

Walt lifted an armload of wood and carried it across the porch to take inside. With the nights as cold as they were, he preferred to keep the cabin stocked up so that he didn't have to venture out at night just to get wood. The sound of a car got his attention and he stopped, looking at the road that led to the cabin. From where he stood he could see that it was a silver sedan. It was moving slowly down the road.

Walt unloaded the wood in his arms on the porch and walked over to the steps, leaning on one of the posts. Once the car was closer he could see that it was a Mercedes. As soon as it parked he could see that it was Lily Bader. She emerged from the car with a smile on her face. She waved to him as she crossed his yard.

"Hey, Walt. Good afternoon."

Walt offered a smile to her.

"Afternoon."

She came up the steps slowly.

"I was hoping to catch you at home."

He vaguely remembered that she left her card and he intended to call her. With all that went on the day before, it had slipped his mind.

"I meant to call you, but got busy yesterday."

She flapped a hand at him dismissively.

"Don't worry about it. Are you…busy?"

Walt glanced around.

"No, come in."

He opened the door and allowed her in before closing it behind him. She looked around the cabin and he could see her taking in her surroundings.

"Nice place. Your land is beautiful. If I remember correctly, your family owned a ranch."

"Yep."

"I like the cabin. Very rustic. Did you build it?"

"Mostly. Have a seat."

She sat down in the chair and Walt took a seat on the couch.

"You know…my brother is terrible about keeping me up to date about what goes on around here. He did mention that you retired."

"Few months ago."

"Can't say I blame you there. I was sorry to hear about Martha."

Walt nodded.

"Thank you."

"I'm divorced myself. Three years now."

"Sorry to hear that."

He wasn't good with small talk and wondered what the point of her visit was.

"Don't be. I'm not. It was for the best. And, no kids so…"

Her voice faded out and she smiled.

"Let's not get bogged down in that. It's good to see you again. It's been far too long. What are you doing with your retirement? Are you traveling or…?"

The question was open ended. Walt shifted in his seat. Talking about himself was one of his least favorite things.

"Locally. Camping and such."

"You always were the rugged type. Have you considered any broader travels?"

"Not right now."

"You could always come to California for a visit. The weather is much nicer than this."

He didn't respond to the comment. He still wasn't sure why she was here. They hadn't ever really been good friends. Acquaintances felt like a better word in his mind.

"You should really winter in a warmer climate."

Walt's eyes shifted to the window.

"Cold doesn't really bother me."

"Of course it doesn't. You might feel differently if you went somewhere warm right now."

Walt ran his hands over his jeans. His phone rang and he tried to conceal the relief. Walt rose.

"Excuse me."

She nodded as Walt retrieved his phone from the desk. It was Vic.

"Hey."

Vic paused for a second before she responded.

"Something wrong?"

"No."

"You at the cabin?"

"Yep, need something?"

"Nothing you can help me with right now. I'll be late tonight."

"Okay."

She was quiet again.

"Walt, are you sure everything is okay? You sound strange. Stranger than usual."

He smiled at her amendment. It was not an uncommon one.

"Good. Do you know how late?"

"Uh…not really. Hopefully not too much. We're just trying to work through some details on this case. I'll definitely miss dinner so…"

"Want me to bring something by?"

She paused at the offer. It wasn't something he usually did.

"You don't have to come all the way to town."

"It's no bother. I'll bring something by for everyone. Who's working?"

"Just me and Cady."

That would be easy enough.

"I'll pick up something from the Red Pony and bring it by."

"Hang on."

Walt waited as Vic lowered the phone. Based on the low murmur of her voice he guessed she was talking to Cady. Maybe telling her about his offer. Walt glanced around the living room. Lily wasn't watching him, but her head was cocked slightly in his direction in a manner that suggested she might be listening to his conversation.

Or trying to.

"Sure."

Vic's voice pulled him back to the phone.

That would give him something to occupy himself with.

"Want something in particular?"

"No, I trust you."

Walt dipped his face and smiled.

"Okay. See you later."

"See you."

The call ended and Walt replaced the phone on the desk. He made it a point of not sitting back down and Lily seemed to take the hint. She stood up and collected her jacket.

"I should go. You seem busy. Would you be free for dinner one night this week?"

Walt gave her a non-committal look.

"Have to check on that."

"You still have my card?"

Walt nodded even though he wasn't sure where it was.

"Yep."

She smiled.

"Good. Give me a call. We can get together and talk about old times. Bring your…Vic."

There was almost a question on the comment and not one he planned to answer. Not waiting for him to, Lily pulled on her coat and started for the door. Walt walked along behind her and stopped just outside the door. She said goodbye one more time and headed for her Mercedes.

xxx

"He's got an alibi."

Cady looked up as Vic came into her office.

"The ex?"

Vic nodded.

"Yes, his manager at work confirmed that he worked eight nights in a row. There's no way it could be him since we know the body was dumped at night. Said they can confirm it with surveillance cameras if needed. Doesn't get much more air tight than that."

Cady gave her a slightly deflated look.

"Guess that's one person ruled out."

Vic narrowed her eyes.

"Did you want it to be the ex?"

Cady rose and came around her desk. She leaned on it.

"No. But, that means we're likely into stranger territory and we don't have anywhere to start. We have a vague description of a person and a vague description of a vehicle. All the roads out there are remote, so it's not likely anyone saw anything. Ferg and Zach haven't come up with anything with their door to door."

Cady was frustrated and Vic knew the feeling.

"First of all, we don't have all the test results back from the autopsy. That may give us something. Second, Ferg and Zach aren't done. There's a lot of ground to cover. They'll get back at it tomorrow. All it takes is one person to break a case."

Cady looked at the floor.

"I know. It's just…"

She blew out a breath and shook her head.

Vic heard the office door open and close. She waved at Cady.

"Come on. That'll be Walt. Let's take a break."

They could certainly both use one.

Cady followed her into the main office to find that it was Walt. He was holding a bag containing take out plates and a drink tray with three cups stuffed in it. Vic reached him and smiled as he offered her the drink tray. She took it and set it down on her desk.

"Thanks."

Walt set the bag down and started to pull out the lidded Styrofoam plates which he passed out to each of them. The last one he kept for himself.

"Mind if I join you?"

Cady pulled up a chair and sat down with a tired sigh.

"Not at all."

Walt studied her with a practiced eye.

"Case not going well."

Cady glanced up as she pulled a plastic fork from the small bag that held it.

"Case is going slow."

He shifted his eyes to Vic.

"You know how it goes."

He nodded as they both sat down using Vic's desk as a table.

"Yeah."

Vic sipped the iced tea he brought and flipped open the lid of her plate to find a cheeseburger and fries. She picked up a fry and popped it into her mouth.

"Got a few more things to go over."

"Still waiting on Weston?"

"Yep."

He looked to Cady.

"How you holding up, Punk?"

Cady met his gaze and shrugged.

"Right now? Tired."

Walt gave her a sympathetic look.

"Understandable."

They fell into silence after that as they ate. The food helped the mild headache that was threatening to expand in Vic's head. She figured that was a combination of being hungry and spending so much time on the phone and looking over pictures. What she really wanted to do was go home and sleep for about twelve hours. That would have to wait. By the time she got to the cabin, that much sleep would be out of the question. But, she looked forward to the idea of relaxing in bed. Better yet, she looked forward to solving this case. From experience, she tried not to dwell on the idea that they might not solve the case.

Nothing was solved by that line of thinking.

Cady finished up her food and dumped her trash.

"Thanks, dad."

He nodded to her.

"Anytime."

Cady walked into her office and pushed the door partially closed. Walt watched her until the door blocked his view.

"She alright?"

Vic sighed.

"She will be. You know how this goes, Walt. These cases are rarely solved fast. She's…frustrated. Once we solve it, she'll feel better. It'll be easier for her next time and the time after that."

Walt closed the lid of his now empty plate.

"What about you?"

"What about me? I've been doing this way the hell longer than Cady."

"I know. I also know that every case takes a little bit out of you. Not just you but general you."

She smiled at his add on comment.

"I know. I could use a full night of sleep. Hopefully, we won't be here much longer."

Walt stood up and collected both their trash. He dropped it into the trashcan and turned to see Vic stand up and stretch out her back muscles. Walt cast a quick look towards Cady's office before he reached out and touched her shoulder.

"I'm gonna go and let you get back to it."

His hand fell away. Vic stepped towards him.

"I'll walk you down."

Walt collected his hat and coat, putting them on as Vic opened the door. They took the steps down to the street level door slowly. At the bottom of the stairs Walt stopped and turned to her.

"I'll see you later."

She nodded and stepped all the way into his personal space. Vic's arms went around his neck and pulled him in. Walt's hands slid down her back. Vic pushed her face into his neck and inhaled the smell of him. It was something that almost always gave her some measure of comfort. Loosening her grip, she pushed up on her toes and kissed him. Walt returned the kiss until Vic pulled back. She didn't normally do PDA with him while she was at work. With the hour being late and the two of them being alone, Vic made an exception.

She stepped back and released him. Walt dipped his face and she could see the motion of his throat as he swallowed.

"See you later."

Walt held her eyes for a second or two longer and turned to push his way out the door. Vic waited until the door closed behind him and he disappeared into the evening. Once he was gone, she headed back up the stairs.

xxx

It started snowing on the way home. It was a light snow at first with flakes drifting down and swirling around in the breeze. With all that had gone on over the past couple of days he hadn't paid much attention to the weather. Not that snow was a surprise. It was the norm this time of the year. By the time he reached the cabin, the snow was harder and the wind was picking up.

Walt walked quickly inside and closed the door against the snow and the cold. He tossed his keys on the desk and sorted through the mail he'd picked up earlier. There wasn't much of interest. A few pieces were junk. There was a bill. It was on the fourth envelope that he stopped. Walt placed the rest of the mail back down. The envelope was the size and shape of a greeting card. It was white with his last name and address handwritten in small print. Walt turned the envelope around in his hands. No return address. There was postage on it and a postmark from Salt Lake City, Utah.

Utah.

Same state. Different part.

Walt carefully pulled the flap loose and opened it. It contained a piece of paper that was folded in half. Walt slid it free and flipped it open. The handwriting was the same as what was on the envelope. The print was small and neat. The word feminine came to mind, but he had no real training in handwriting analysis.

Walt ran his eyes over the paper. It was only one sentence.

Looking forward to seeing you.

That was it.

Walt looked at both sides with a frown.

There was no way this was a coincidence. The phone calls were coming from Utah. Now this. Someone was playing a game of some sorts and Walt didn't like not knowing what it was or what the rules might be. Much like the calls, there wasn't much to go on. He placed the envelope and the paper on his desk and breathed in deeply.

He left the desk and walked over to the fireplace. With his mind whirling he bent down and added two logs to the fire. There was nothing threatening about the simple sentence that was written. There was nothing about the phone calls that was either. That didn't stop the ominous feeling that was gathering around him.

He would tell Vic about it later. He certainly wasn't going to call her at work and burden her. She already had enough on her plate. Walt stood up and watched the flames of the fire grow and surround the fuel he'd added. A noticeable amount of heat pressed in around him and Walt closed his eyes.

An old, familiar feeling stirred inside of him and he knew exactly what it was. The need to solve this mystery. It didn't matter that he wasn't the Sheriff anymore. This was someone speaking to him. The phone calls came to his phone. The envelope held his name. Even if it was someone who knew that Vic was here with him, this felt like something that was being directed at him more than it was her.

Not that he minded being the target. Better him than Vic in his mind. She would disagree with him. The best thing would be to have both the envelope and the letter analyzed to see if there were any fingerprints or DNA.

Walt left the warmth of the fire and walked over to look out the window. The snow was still falling heavily outside. If it kept up, they would have fresh inches by morning. The trees bent and swayed as the wind pushed them. Much like the other night he could hear the wind whistling and the trees creaking. It was an eerie sound and made the elements seem almost alive.

His eyes drifted back to the desk. The innocuous looking sheet of paper sat on top of the envelope looking innocent enough. He opted to leave it there. Later on, he would let Vic take it to the office. There would be no keeping this from Cady now. Not that he was trying to. It just didn't seem like there was anything that she could do that he and Vic weren't already doing. This was different, though. This was a tangible piece of evidence that may hold a clue to who was behind the phone calls.

Walt turned away from the desk and returned his gaze to the window. He wondered how much longer Vic would be.

xxx

"Let's call it a night."

Vic stood up and stretched for what felt like the millionth time that day. She was going to be sore from all the sitting down and bending over. She would definitely feel it in the morning. Cady looked about as tired as she felt.

"You don't have to tell me twice."

Cady peered out the window at the snow.

"Be careful going home in this."

Vic pulled on her jacket and a hat that she pulled down over her ears.

"You too."

"I don't have as far to go."

"I'll be careful."

Vic fished her keys from her pocket as they walked down the stairs and stepped outside.

"Just when you don't think it can get any colder."

Vic injected equal parts irritation and sarcasm into the words. Cady smiled and ducked her head against the snow.

"See you tomorrow."

Vic gave a brief wave as she got into her truck in a hurry and pulled the door closed. She wasn't kidding. It was the coldest night yet. Vic started her truck and adjusted the heat. She saw Cady's headlights flash by her and the Jeep started down the street.

Vic pulled out behind her and headed for the cabin. The steady thrum of her windshield wipers beat out a steady pattern as she drove. The night was dark and the snow came down in heavy flakes. It would take her longer than normal to get home having to navigate this.

Vic sighed.

She was ready to take a shower and get in bed. But, rushing wouldn't do when the weather was like this. She was no stranger to driving in the snow and kept a steady pace as she left the town limits and drove onto more rural roads.

It seemed even darker out here. That made the snowflakes seem to almost carry a glow about them. The effect was somewhat mesmerizing. Vic blinked and focused her eyes on the road. A surge of relief washed through her once the cabin came into view.

She parked and jogged over the snow covered ground, only slowing once she was on the porch and out of the snow. Vic paused at the door long enough to stomp the snow off her boots before she opened the door and stepped inside. Vic shed her boots just inside. She shrugged off her jacket and removed her hat. The living room was warm. Walt must have been on the couch when he heard her. When her eyes landed on him, he was setting a book aside and on his feet.

"Hey."

Vic's greeting was breathless as she hung up her jacket and pulled her shirt loose from her pants.

"How was the ride?"

"Not fun. Visibility isn't great and the wind is a bitch."

Vic walked over to the fire as she unbuttoned her uniform shirt revealing the gray thermal shirt she wore underneath.

"Feels nice in here."

Walt glanced towards the window.

"Keeps snowing and your drive will be rough in the morning."

Vic shook her head at him.

"I don't even want to think about tomorrow. I'm gonna get a shower."

He nodded as she walked into the bedroom. She didn't close the door in order to allow heat into the bedroom. Vic shed her clothes and left them in a pile on the bathroom floor. She turned on the water as hot as she could stand it and stepped under the spray. For a few minutes she simply braced her hands on the wall and stood there letting the hot water both loosen her muscles and warm her. She didn't bother washing her hair and made quick work of lathering up and rinsing off. Once she was out she dressed in a clean thermal shirt and sweat pants. At the sink she toweled off her hair as much as possible, combed it, and brushed her teeth.

The air in the bathroom was humid and smelled of soap. It was comforting in a homey sort of way in light of the freezing weather that seemed to be the current and long term forecast. She left the temporary comfort to find Walt still in the living room. He was working on the fire with the wood that he'd brought in earlier.

Walt glanced up as she stopped beside him so that she could take in the heat the fire was putting out.

"Feel better?"

"Little bit."

Walt stood and wiped his hands off on his jeans.

"Make any progress?"

"Mmm."

The hum wasn't really an answer. She really didn't want to talk about the case.

"Fire feels nice."

Walt's head bobbed a little.

"Yeah."

Vic inhaled deeply and breathed out slowly in an attempt to release the stress of her day.

"I'm going to bed."

"I'll be there in a few minutes."'

She left him where he stood and went back into the bedroom. She pulled back the blanket and sheets on the bed and crawled in. Vic stretched out. Her back was tight as were her shoulders. She willed herself to relax even though she knew it wouldn't be quite that easy.

She was still awake when Walt came in. She watched him as he took off his watch off and set it on his dresser. He pulled the few contents held in the pockets of his jeans and deposited them alongside the watch. He wordlessly went into the bathroom and closed the door. Vic heard the shower turn on and the sound of Walt getting in. The sound of the water was soothing in the same way that rain could be. She closed her eyes and listened to the uneven pattern the water made as Walt moved under the spray.

She didn't even realize she had drifted off when the bed moved with the addition of Walt's weight and her eyes opened. Walt gave her an apologetic look as he settled in beside her.

"Sorry."

Vic shifted around and over so that she was touching him. He smelled good and he felt even better. She hadn't ever considered herself the kind of woman who needed a man, always valuing her independence. That probably contributed to the dissolution of her marriage to Sean. As much as some men would claim they liked that trait in a woman, Vic found that wasn't always the truth.

This thing with Walt felt different. He knew that she could take care of herself. She knew he could take care of himself. The challenge was in learning there was no shame in leaning on someone when you needed to. Neither of them was great at it. They were learning. Making herself vulnerable to Walt was easier than with any other man she'd known. She trusted him in a way that was unique to all of her relationships.

Letting him know that was a work in progress.

"S'okay."

She rolled onto her side so that she was facing him and moved even closer. Walt moved his arm to give her the access she sought. Vic laid her head on the front part of his shoulder and Walt put his arm around her. He was warm. And he was solid. She felt his chin shift and he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

"Go back to sleep."

Vic hummed out an initial response and pressed her cheek into him.

"Don't worry. I plan to."

Again, she wasn't aware that she'd slipped right back to sleep until she woke up again. This time she was on her other side with her face partially buried in the pillow and the covers pushed down to her waist. The air in the bedroom was still warm.

Vic rolled to her back realized that Walt wasn't there. She was debating sitting up and looking around when he returned. In the darkness produced by the middle of the night or early morning hours she felt him more than she saw him.

"What're you doing?"

She mumbled the words.

"Nothing. Go back to sleep."

Vic wasn't awake enough to argue and tugged the blanket back up over her chest. He'd likely gotten up to check the fire or go to the bathroom. He was back and he was warm. That was all she cared about in the moment.

Without another thought, Vic went back to sleep.